When Should You Use An MSP For Your Organization?

We’ve discussed what a Managed Service Provider (aka MSP) is before.

We’ve even talked about when you shouldn’t use an MSP to support the IT for your organization.

So we still need to cover when you should use an MSP, right? Ok, let’s get on that!

There are three areas where MSP’s often have more flexibility and potential value than an internal IT department. First is in their staffing.

MSPs can afford (and really need) to bring specialists and more senior technicians onto their team. So if your organization needs about 10% of a DBA (Data Base Analyst)? Doesn’t make sense to hire one, does it (especially if it’s a temporary need)? But if an MSP has 10 clients in the same boat? Makes perfect sense! So an MSP should be able to staff their organization with the flexibility and skills that your organization needs.

Second area has to do with tools and standards. MSPs should have a standard set of Software, Tools, Methodologies and Portals (we call ‘em STMPs) that they bring for a majority of their clients. And they should have the time necessary to evaluate their STMPs, implement best practices, even replace them when appropriate. Since they’re going to be using these for ALL of their clients, they’ll get the best bang for the buck by spending some quality time understanding, implementing and training for their use. Most companies with internal IT don’t have that luxury since they only need to support a single company with the particular product.

Finally, let’s talk about the future. As in are you keeping track of the new technologies (and security risks) that are coming down the road? Again, the MSP should be keeping an eye on the future both from an opportunity as well as a risk perspective. Here at Simplex-IT, for example, we have all our technical employees developing new skills and certifications. We also send several of our team to various technical conferences to get a feel for what’s coming down the pike.

Now, let’s talk about your organization. These benefits mean the most when your organization has a relatively standard IT configuration. The more standard your organizations IT is, the better these benefits align with your organization. That’s not to say an MSP can’t handle specialized requirements (most companies will have some sort of need along those lines). But the less you have, the more you can take advantage of the standards and best practices the MSP has created. 

I want to be clear on one thing. There are internal IT folks who absolutely rock it and bring fantastic services and value to their organization. And, honestly, there are MSP’s who…well, let’s just say they’re not bringing quite as much value. What we’re talking about here is really about the core concept of an MSP and the strengths they bring to the table.

If you think your organization could use the help of an MSP, please give us a call!